NLC, TUC threaten to commence strike on Nov 6

The Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and the
United Labour Congress have threatened to go on strike on November
6 if the Federal Government fails to take the plight of Nigerian
workers more seriously.

Specifically, the labour unions said if the upward review of the
national minimum wage was not acceded to by the governors and the
Federal Government, they would have no other option but to go on
strike.

In a statement jointly signed by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba;
the TUC President, Bobboi Kaigama; and ULC President Joe Ajaero,
the unions lambasted the Federal Government for its decision to
implement a ‘no work, no pay’ policy.

The statement read in part, “If nothing is responsibly done by
the Federal Government to meet our demands, on Monday, November 6,
we shall embark on a nationwide strike to compel this government to
show more sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians and the suffering
that is decimating our people on daily basis.”

The organised labour said that the Federal Government should
rather implement a ‘no pay, no work’ policy as well as a policy
that would criminalise the non-payment of salaries.

The statement added, “A nation where the governments owes its
workforce several months in arrears of unpaid salaries has not
sought ways to eliminate it but is rather seeking ways to gag same
workers from protesting this crime against them and their
families.

“It is akin to beating a child and denying him the right to cry.
Has the government considered ‘No Pay, No Work’?’ Has it considered
criminalizing non-payment of workers; salaries? Has it considered
paying arrears of salaries with interests?

“Of course, it has not! They are only interested in ‘no work, no
pay’ seeking ways to constantly gag and put workers in a strait
jacket has always been their pastime.”

The unions said it was unfortunate that governors could kick
against the N30, 000 minimum wage but still solicit votes from
workers.

They asked workers to vote out those who had failed to protect
their interests.

The statement added, “Nigerians are no longer surprised why
governance in the nation seems to have become a huge joke if this
is how they tackle other serious national issues. Imagine
governors’ forum that has six representatives in the tripartite
committee jumping in to make excuses after its representatives had
made their submissions in the committee!

“We shall consider any governor saying that he is unable to pay
as unpatriotic and, an enemy of Nigerian workers and masses. We
shall vote them out in 2019.”

The organised labour said since the government was not willing
to demonstrate honour and integrity in relating with Nigerian
workers and masses, a national day of outrage and mourning would
hold on October 30, 2018.

After which a meeting of various organs of the unions would also
hold and then jointly embark on a strike.